REPORTAGES
I got to half-race and came across the first assistance checkpoint. I knew that I had to eat, and forced myself to do so. I had some rice, drank a little to hydrate, changed my T-shirt, kissed my wife and daughters and I was on the run again. In the second half of the race I was already among the top 10. I felt good. That was the most technical part of the race but the route was familiar because I had run the Ultra in Beaufortain the previous year. The scenery was amazing, the slopes too. I got to Les Contamines as it was getting dark. I felt in good spirits because I was advancing positions. My girls showed me some drawings they had done to encourage me. I kept encountering mates from Girona at the checkpoints who kept telling me: “it’s nearly over”, “you’ve made it”. I got to Les Houches. It was the last
“My reward and my dream are only a result of teamwork”
54 / SPORTVICIOUS
checkpoint; there were only 8 km ahead. I felt motivated, comfortable, agile, running at a good pace, or that’s what I thought. I grabbed a can of coke and ran off. I wanted to secure my position. And finally the best part of the season arrived. After 16 hours and 23 minutes, I crossed the finishing line in 7th position. It’s that fine line that separates all the months of effort, from a last racing minute. The entrance to Chamonix is a prize in itself. It’s my reward. It’s a dream come true. But then, the days go by, and after assimilating what had happened, I came to the conclusion that “my reward” and “my dream” had been the result of teamwork. A million thanks to you all! David Coma 7ºth in the rankings